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Floral arrangements have become the preferred gift for all kinds of special occasions, both big and small. From simple bouquets to something that’s more meaningful such as flowers for a grand opening, these blooms come in many shapes and sizes fit for various celebrations. If you’ve been on the receiving end of these wonderful presents, you already know how difficult it is to throw them away once their freshness has passed.
Fret not, for there are plenty of ways to preserve their beauty – and the memories they hold – by converting them into something new. Below, we go over the most popular ways to recycle flower gifts and how you can do them at home so that they continue to bring happiness even when they’re past their prime.
1. Pressed flowers
Pressed flowers offer a lovely way to repurpose fading blooms, preserving their beauty in a delicate, vintage style. This classic technique is easy to do at home, and the results can be used in various creative projects.
To start pressing, gather your chosen flowers, some heavy books, and parchment paper. Arrange the flowers between two sheets of parchment paper and place them between the pages of a heavy book. If the pages tend to open, add an extra weight on top. After 10 to 15 days, you’ll have perfectly pressed, paper-thin flowers ideal for framing, scrapbooking, or even making DIY cards.
Tip: Avoid textured paper like kitchen towels, as it can transfer patterns onto delicate petals, especially smaller ones.
2. Dried flowers bouquet
Drying flowers is a straightforward and stylish way to preserve your bouquet, adding a rustic touch to your home decor. You can air-dry flowers by hanging them upside down in a cool, dark place or even dry them in the microwave for faster results. Choose your favourite stems (preferably just before they fully bloom), dry them, and place them in a decorative vase for a lasting centrepiece.
Quick tip: For air-drying, bind flowers loosely to allow for airflow, which prevents mould and helps flowers retain their shape.
3. Homemade potpourri
Potpourri is an aromatic bowl of dried petals and leaves that add both beauty and a subtle scent to any room. Flowers with strong natural fragrances, like roses, lavender, and geraniums, work wonderfully in potpourri and can be enhanced with essential oils for a tailored scent.
To make it, first remove the petals and dry them in a warm cupboard. Next, mix them with dried citrus slices, fragrant woods, or spices like cinnamon. Add decorative elements like pine cones or seed pods for seasonal flair, and use essential oils to refresh the scent when needed. This DIY potpourri can be customised for any time of year, making it a fantastic gift or personal decor item.
Pro tip: Avoid drying in areas with strong odours (like the kitchen) to keep your potpourri’s scent pure. Traditional options like roses work well, but you can also experiment with more exotic scents by adding fragrant tree shavings from your garden.
4. Rosewater face mist
For a refreshing skincare treat, transform old roses into a soothing rosewater face mist. Roses are renowned for their anti-inflammatory and calming properties, and a homemade rosewater mist is an excellent way to reuse petals and harness their skincare benefits.
To make it, rinse your rose petals, place them in a pot with just enough distilled water to cover them and prevent diluting the mix, and simmer on low for 20 to 30 minutes until the petals lose their colour. Strain the mixture, cool it, and pour it into a glass jar or spray bottle. Use it morning and night for a hydrating mist, or gift it to a friend in need of a gentle skincare boost.
Storage tip: Keep your rosewater in the fridge for a more refreshing spritz. Pour some into a travel-size bottle for an on-the-go face mist that’s perfect for busy days or travel.
Conclusion
Repurposing flowers extends their life, keeping their beauty and sentiment alive long after the blooms have faded. Whether pressed, dried, or transformed into fragrant potpourri or rosewater, these creative projects let you enjoy your floral gifts in new ways, adding lasting beauty and personal charm to your home.
Keen on returning the favour to your loved ones with a special bouquet of your own? If so, Hilton Gifts is here to help. Browse our extensive collection of blooms today, and we guarantee you’ll find the ideal blooms you’re looking for, whether it’s a hand bouquet, bridal flowers, table garden, 99 roses, or anything else.